Ms_Sassy_Wi...You are absolutely correct when you say that "The truth is: if you went to Paris, you would not have many problems finding people who can communicate in English..."

The problem is...finding anybody WILLING to. But, I don't necessarily find that such a problem after all. We are absolutely correct to expect others to at least attempt to speak English when they come here. Likewise, we are absolutely INcorrect to expect others to speak English when we go to their countries, without even giving the mutual respect of attempting to learn THEIR native language. And, yes, I've been there.

no, frusion, I've never been to France. My point, however, is that it shouldn't be construed as a negative trait to want to communicate in other languages. I, myself, wish I had learned other languages (Spanish, of course, being one of them). Not because I am a world traveler, but because so many more options exist for people who know other languages. Think of all of the business that English-only companies lose and the jobs that exist and are available for a person with bi-lingual skills. It seems like this is a no-brainer. Gaining knowledge is never a bad thing. And, heck, it might even help.

GaryPrimer, well said. All I can say is "Ich Bin Ein Berliner". That is all I can say because, in all honesty, that is simply the only thing I know how to say in German. "I know a little German...that is him over there!" (That is a reference to the highly underrated film TOP SECRET! from the guys who brought you AIRPLANE! Rent it. Trust me.)

In 50 years Spanish will be the primary language here, so what! get used to it!

ms_sassy, since you brought it up, have you been to Paris? If so, you must have been somewhere other than where I was. The underground Metro is no where for an English speaking American if you have a question. If you speak to a French person in English they will walk past you like you didn't exist.

The truth is: if you went to Paris, you would not have many problems finding people who can communicate in English...and French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese or Japanese, Russian or many many other languages. America is the only country that objects to learning other languages and only offers classes to high school students as electives. English is a mandatory language in nearly every other country. I will NEVER understand what makes us English-speaking people so adamant that we "own" the language. Languages are for communicating, whether for making dinner plans or being able to sell a US-made product to other-language-speaking companies. We are the losers, you know, right? Look around at businesses leaving America. Oh well, I guess that's not really the point of this article...

I think a lot of people relate to the non-english speaking people as illegals. Thats what my last post was refering to as 2 ways to look at it. Even though there is some bitter feelings towards Mexicans because some come here illegal, it shouldnt have anything to do with the police trying to better their situation in dealing with them.

Theres 2 ways to look at this. 1. Is he helping the non-english speaking people? or 2. is he helping the policing of these non-english people. If you look at it in an optimistic way hes actually helping and making it easier to arrest spanish speaking people. So its not technically catering to their needs, but giving us (english speaking people) an advantage. If I was a cop i'd like to know what 2 spanish people were saying amongst themselves as I have them pulled over... You dont know if they are talking about jumping the cop or talking about dinner?? Something that could greatly help a cop. And also prevent the spanish speaking person from getting killed, the cop can tell him to put his hands up and they will know, rather than doing somthing like make a quick reach for their wallet in their back pocket...Not something to do while your at gunpoint...and this is where communication is needed most.

"Ich Zusage Zugehörigkeit zu der Flagge..."

I agree that everyone should speak english in order to live here. But the reality is, is that it will never happen. I support what Officer Sullivan is doing 100%!

So if I call 911 am I gonna have to press 1 for english or 2 for the new US language?

Purrmaid actually makes a great ironic point here, which I always appreciate. And to be fair Stupidisasstupiddoes, she never even had to point out the fact that you mentioned that your Mother came here from Germany "and learned English and recited the Pedge in english when she became a citizen." Let's all just go watch DEAL OR NO DEAL now and forget any of this actually happened...or BIG BROTHER 19...or THE HILLS. Or whatever.

I'd love to see a copy of this text. I've trained law enforcement officers in MI, GA and NC in the past with Command Spanish texts. Not sure if they are still the best. I hope officer Sullivan is giving some cultural training to his fellow law enforcement officers as well. I think he will be very successful and the fact that he is in law enforcement is fantastic. To those who say that all those Spanish speakers should be learning English -yes. The fact is that to do their jobs safely and to create positive relations Spanish helps.

Okay, mymaro, chill out and go back to your corner. No fighting allowed in here.

wow purmaid im glad you have so much time in your life to worry about apostrophes on a post. who cares? i know i dont. im glad we have such critical smart people like you to correct those of us that are "dumbing down" youre my hero!!!!!!!

Why don't y'all talk American?

Congratulations also to Chad Sullivan. I heard him mention this a while back but had no idea it had come so far (heck, he probably had no idea at that point). I hope this leads to national recognition -- and more important, more successful and safe police stops here and elsewhere. It may be the ideal situation in some views to have everyone speaking the same language, but the reality is they don't. Cops don't have the luxury of avoiding reality.

Who says they aren't in the process of learning English?
Just wish all keyboards had apostrophes. It's hard to read (and take seriously) posts when they say "were" instead of "we're", are full of grammatical errors, misspellings... Just have to hope the immigrants seeking a better life here aren't taught English by some of the posters. Such a shame how America is dumbing down. :(

THIS IS A RACIST TOWN ANYWAY.DO WHAT YOU GOT TO DO .

Why would we be called racists? I guess if that is the case people will start calling me a racist come election time because I sure as heck ain't gonna vote for Obama. It has nothing to do with his skin color it has to do with him being a liberal that thinks it is ok to not have to learn english to live in this country. My mother is straight off the boat from Germany and did not speak a lick of english when she got here. What did she do? She learned English and recited the Pedge in english when she became a citizen.

stupidisasstupiddoes- RIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!! you know were going to get slammed by the sympathizers on here saying were racist. oh well, time to go to El Chapala for some tacos.

i have no problem with learning a second language. but these people that dont speak english and come to this country need to LEARN ENGLISH. I dont want to learn spanish because you come here, you learn english, you chose to come here. If i moved to paris i would improve my french, NOT EXPECT OTHERS TO ADAPT TO ME!

I would be more impressed if he were out teaching english to the spanish speaking people. They should speak english if they want to be here!

Hire more Spanish-speaking cops. This is at most a bandage to a gaping wound.

Way to go, Officer Sullivan! I think this is great.

Good idea.. but I wish these people would learn OUR language...it would create a lot less problems for everyone.

Officer Sullivan is a HUGE asset to the JPD. He has been great as a liason with elementary kids and has a proactive style of law enforcement. Thanks for your efforts!

Can the manual be ordered? If so, how?

It reminds me of something a cop friend mentioned. When he encountered someone insisting they didn't know English, he'd draw a stick figure behind bars. He'd then point at the drawing, then at the suspect and say, "YOU!" It was amazing how quickly they responded in English.

Kudos to Officer Sullivan's initiative.

Awesome. I think this is an excellent idea, and am proud to have Chad Sullivan in our community. Regardless of your views on learning a second language, you cannot argue that this is a proactive approach to a growing problem.